Overview
This unit will provide you with foundational skills and knowledge covering contemporary business issues, organisational and business practices. You will have the opportunity to develop essential business skills, gain knowledge across various business contexts, and examine the functions of diverse organisational types. We will assess the impacts of environmental forces on organisations, examine the risks confronting businesses, and discuss practices adopted to mitigate these risks, including innovation, e-commerce, knowledge management, and cross-cultural management. Throughout the unit, we will utilize illustrative real-world examples, and case studies to provide tangible insights into the course concepts. This unit will enable you to engage in robust discussions regarding governance options for different organisations and examine contemporary processes like regionalisation, emerging world markets, global governance and globalisation. This unit will cultivate transferable business skills for potential future consulting roles, and management skills for organisational leadership positions.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from UC observation
Changes are needed after AI risk assessment in 2023.
Continue to improve all assessments to reduce AI writing. Changes might be needed for Assessments 2 and 3 to reduce AI-assisted writing.
- Critically analyse the impact of a range of internal and external contextual factors on the performance and decision making of organisations
- Synthesise and utilise key theories, concepts and terms relevant to internal and external contextual factors to examine organisational environments
- Communicate an understanding of contemporary internal and external contextual factors affecting organisations
- Evaluate complex problems relevant to internal and external contextual factors in organisational environments
- Recommend creative solutions to contemporary challenges facing businesses to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
This is not applicable.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Case Study - 30% | |||||
| 2 - Presentation - 30% | |||||
| 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 40% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||||
| 2 - Communication | |||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
| 4 - Research | |||||
| 5 - Self-management | |||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
| 7 - Leadership | |||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
h.le@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Topic 1: Business and Governance Structures
Chapter
Chapple, E., Copp, R., Baumfield, R., Cunningham, R., Harpur, P., Baumfield, Richard, & Cunningham, Rosemary. (2016). Company Law (1st ed.). Melbourne: Wiley. Module 1: Business Organisations
For additional recommended texts, journal readings, podcasts, current events, and video information refer to the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Unit Introduction
- Details of Moodle and unit resources
- Expectations of student engagement with the unit
Module/Topic
Topic 2: Impact of Environmental Forces on Organisations
Chapter
Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2012). Strategic management cases: competitiveness and globalization. Cengage Learning. Chapter 2.
For additional recommended texts, journal readings, podcasts, current events, and video information refer to the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 3: Risks Confronting the Firm
Chapter
Henderson, D. (2017). The Manager's Guide to Risk Assessment. Brooksfield: Rothstein Associates, Incorporated. Chapter 1.
For additional recommended texts, journal readings, podcasts, current events, and video information refer to the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 4: Organisation and Business Practices
Chapter
Boxall, P., & Purcell, J. (2016). Strategy and human resource management (4th ed., Management, work, and organisations). Chapter 3.
For additional recommended texts, journal readings, podcasts, current events, and video information refer to the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 5: Business Functions of a Diverse Range of Firms
Chapter
Preston, D., Watson, G., & Fryer, M. (2013). An Introduction to Business Studies. The Open University. Chapter 6- Introduction to Business Functions.
For additional recommended texts, journal readings, podcasts, current events, and video information refer to the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
No classes will be held during this week.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 6: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Chapter
Frederick, H. H., Kuratko, D. F., & O'Connor, A. (2015). Entrepreneurship: Theory/Process/Practice with Student Resource Access for 12 Months. Cengage AU. Chapter 1.
Tidd, J., & Bessant, J. (2014). Strategic innovation management. John Wiley & Sons. Chapter 1.
For additional resources refer to the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 7: Knowledge Management, Technology and eCommerce
Chapter
Laudon, K., & Traver, Carol Guercio. (2017). E-commerce 2017 (13th edition, Global ed.). Essex: Pearson Education Ltd. Chapter 1: Introduction to Ecommerce.
For additional recommended texts, journal readings, podcasts, current events, and video information refer to the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 8: Regionalisation and Globalisation
Chapter
Robbins, S., Bergman, R., Stagg, I., & Coulter, M. (2018). Management (8th Ed), Pearson Australia. Chapter 4: Global Management.
For additional recommended texts, journal readings, podcasts, current events, and video information refer to the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 9: Cross-cultural issues, Diversity and International Management
Chapter
Livermore, D. (2015). Leading with Cultural Intelligence: The Real Secret to Success. Chapter 1: Culture matters: Why you need Cultural Intelligence.
For additional recommended texts, journal readings, podcasts, current events, and video information refer to the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
There is no topic covered in class this week. The group led presentations and discussions will be completed in class.
Chapter
Reuvid, J. (2014). Managing business risk a practical guide to protecting your business (10th ed.). London ; Philadelphia, PA: Kogan Page. Section 1.1: Beyond resilience.
Whitfield, R. (2013). A Primer on Sustainability: In the Business Environment. Chapter 3
For additional recommended texts, journal readings, podcasts, current events, and video information refer to the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The group led presentations and discussions undertaken during the class.
PRESENTATION (GROUP) Due: Week 10 Monday (13 May 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
There is no topic covered in class this week. The group led presentations and discussions will be completed in class.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
The group led presentations and discussions undertaken during the class.
Module/Topic
Topic 10: Contemporary issues: Change, Resilience, and Sustainability
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discuss Assessment 3
REFLECTION (INDIVIDUAL) Due: Week 12 Friday (31 May 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Case Study
Write a 1200-word (+/- 10%) case study about BHP (https://www.bhp.com/).
I) Choose any TWO of the topics from Week 1 to Week 5.
II) Analyse the impact of your chosen topic/s on the company’s performance and other related activities by answering questions (see Moodle Assessment tile 1)
II) Cite about eight (8) recent and relevant peer-reviewed academic references in this assessment (preferably post-2018 articles).
Note that before commencing this task, carefully read the detailed assessment task and the marking rubric available on the unit Moodle site.
Week 6 Monday (15 Apr 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
As per the CQU policy, marks and feedback will be returned in two (2) working weeks from the submission date for on time submissions. Grades will be released on Moodle.
Criteria 1. Introduction (10%) - Clearly outlines the purpose and scope of the case study.
Criteria 2. Theoretical knowledge (25%) - Demonstrates the ability to define key terms and apply the theories and concepts associated with the topic selected.
Criteria 3. Research and analysis (35%) - Level of research efforts demonstrated on the organisation and ability to critically analyse the impact of a range of contextual factors on the performance of the organisation, supported by recent and relevant peer-reviewed academic and other references.
Criteria 4. Conclusion (10%) - All aspects are drawn together in a brief and concise summary. Consistent with findings, no new materials; highlight implications for the future of the company.
Criteria 5. Communication (10%) - High quality of expression, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and proofreading.
Criteria 6. Referencing (10%) - Correctly use the APA referencing system to cite academic sources both in the in-text and in the reference list, including using recent and relevant peer-reviewed academic references and numerous non-academic references. (industry/news/media/websites/databases on the company).
- Critically analyse the impact of a range of internal and external contextual factors on the performance and decision making of organisations
- Synthesise and utilise key theories, concepts and terms relevant to internal and external contextual factors to examine organisational environments
- Communicate an understanding of contemporary internal and external contextual factors affecting organisations
- Evaluate complex problems relevant to internal and external contextual factors in organisational environments
- Recommend creative solutions to contemporary challenges facing businesses to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
2 Presentation
This is a group assignment that involves a 15-minute student-led live presentation and a 5-minute Q&A session after the presentation.
Assessment item 2 must be completed by students in a group of about 4 students. The group presentation can be conducted over Zoom for distance/offshore students and in-person for on-campus students.
I) Joining a group
Join an Assessment 2 group through the unit's Moodle site. All members of a group must be from the same workshop since you will be presenting together during your scheduled class time. If you do not join a group yourself, you will be assigned one.
There will be no changes to Assessment 2 groups after Week 6: Please make sure that you have enrolled in the workshop class you want to attend by the Census Date (Week 4). More information and guidance on group formation will be provided on Moodle.
II) Choosing a topic
Your group is required to choose ONE of the topics from Week 6 to Week 9. Some suggested questions are on Moodle – Assessment 2 tile for each topic. You may choose to address a different question about one of these topics in consultation with your lecturer.
II) Choosing ONE organisation and developing a PowerPoint Presentation (PPT) presentation
• The PPT should have a clear structure (Introduction, Body, Conclusion), and a reference list.
• You must choose one real-life corporate example in your analysis.
• Your PPT slides must include about eight (8) peer-reviewed academic references (preferably post-2018 articles), together with numerous non-academic references (industry/news/media/websites/databases).
• This presentation should demonstrate a critical understanding of the problems associated with the relevant contextual factor, the ability to evaluate complex problems, and recommend creative solutions.
Additional Group Presentation requirements
• All group members need to present and participate. Each member needs to speak for 4 to 5 minutes. Therefore, divide time equally within your group.
• You will have a Q&A session post-presentation to interact with the audience and receive Peer + Lecturer feedback or questions. (5 minutes)
• Only ONE member of your group uploads PPT slides (no video) on Moodle.
Note: Please check Moodle for further support on forming groups, presentation, writing, referencing, etc. is given on the Unit Moodle site for this assignment.
Week 10 Monday (13 May 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
Criteria 1. Quality of the PowerPoint presentation (visual) (15%) – Demonstrates high quality of the ppt presentation, design, and visual aids. Develop a concise and structured presentation to the professional standard.
Criteria 2. Presentation style (verbal) and teamwork (30%) – Demonstrates good presentation skills and competencies as a team within the time limit.
Criteria 3. Contents (25%) – Demonstrates critical understanding of the problems associated with the selected contextual factors and relevant solutions regarding how the organisation can deal with contemporary challenges posed by the relevant contextual factor.
Criteria 4. Research (10%) – Provides strong key points in response to the chosen topic supported by research evidence.
Criteria 5. Corporate example(s) (10%) – Provides the strength and relevance of the argument by incorporating one appropriate real-life organisation example in the presentation.
Criteria 6. Referencing (5%) – Correctly use the APA referencing system to cite academic sources both in the in-text and in the reference list, including using recent and relevant peer-reviewed academic references and numerous non-academic references. (industry/news/media/websites/databases on the company).
Criteria 7. Q&A (5%) – The ability to handle the Q&A session.
- Critically analyse the impact of a range of internal and external contextual factors on the performance and decision making of organisations
- Synthesise and utilise key theories, concepts and terms relevant to internal and external contextual factors to examine organisational environments
- Communicate an understanding of contemporary internal and external contextual factors affecting organisations
- Evaluate complex problems relevant to internal and external contextual factors in organisational environments
- Recommend creative solutions to contemporary challenges facing businesses to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
3 Reflective Practice Assignment
You will be required to write two (2) reflections (approximately 800 words each) in response to tasks or scenarios given on Moodle. Please check more details on Moodle – Assessment 3 tile for this task.
This assessment will be available on Moodle by Week 11.
Week 12 Friday (31 May 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
Feedback and marks will be released to students along with the certification of grades process
Criteria 1. Description (15%) - Describe the key contents of the topic you are going to reflect on. Do this in the form of a brief narrative. Write in the first person.
Criteria 2. Analysis (35%) - Analyse the task. Is there something about it that challenged your ideas about what you have learned in this Unit? Does it reinforce those ideas? How did your experience fit with the literature and unit learning material that you have read in this Unit?
Criteria 3. Evaluation (35%) - What will you draw from it? Will it lead you to change the way you do something? Will it lead you to change the way you think about something or future work?
Criteria 4. Communication (15%) - Quality of writing, expression, grammar, spelling, punctuation, structure, and flow within the word count.
- Critically analyse the impact of a range of internal and external contextual factors on the performance and decision making of organisations
- Synthesise and utilise key theories, concepts and terms relevant to internal and external contextual factors to examine organisational environments
- Communicate an understanding of contemporary internal and external contextual factors affecting organisations
- Evaluate complex problems relevant to internal and external contextual factors in organisational environments
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
